Logo Artwork Guide for Custom Clothing Orders
Preparing logo artwork for custom clothing involves more than sending a logo attached to an email. The supplier needs to understand which version to use, how large it should appear, where it belongs and what has been approved. This guide helps distributors, agencies and brand teams organise an artwork package before requesting decorated apparel.
Start with the approved master file
Ask the brand owner or designer for the current master artwork and identify the version in the filename. Include a preview so the recipient can recognise the intended appearance. Adobe explains that raster graphics use pixels while vector graphics use scalable shapes. Ask the supplier which format is appropriate for the proposed application. A filename alone does not establish that artwork is suitable: request a file review before approving production.
Give dimensions and placement together
State the intended width and height, or one dimension with proportions preserved. Use a garment diagram to identify front, back, sleeve or another location. Specify a measurement reference for placement instead of relying on phrases such as “near the shoulder.” Confirm whether the location changes across garment sizes. For custom polos, show the relationship to buttons, pockets and seams. For branded hoodies, consider the hood and any front opening when reviewing the proposed position.
Separate colour references from screen previews
Include the brand’s agreed colour references and identify which apply to each artwork element. Explain whether the preview is illustrative or an approved colour reference. If matching an existing item is important, discuss a physical reference with the supplier. Record how garment colour and decoration colour will be reviewed together. Do not approve a final colour only because a small emailed image looks familiar on your screen; agree the reference and approval method for the project.
Review detail for the chosen application
Provide the artwork at the intended finished size and ask for feedback on small lettering, fine lines and other details. Any suggested simplification should return to your brand team for approval. Keep the original artwork and the approved production version separately identified. Our printing and embroidery resource introduces the information needed for decoration discussions; the method comparison guide helps frame the choice. Avoid assuming that one approved application can be transferred unchanged to every fabric or garment.
Make approval responsibilities clear
Nominate one person to collect feedback from the buyer and brand team. Label versions consistently and keep superseded files out of the final production package. Separate approval of the logo file from approval of its dimensions, position and physical sample. A correct logo can still be placed incorrectly. Use a short approval record with the style name, artwork version, garment colour, application method, dimensions, position and date. Note unresolved items rather than treating silence as approval.
Send a complete artwork package with the enquiry
Include the master file, preview, placement diagram, colour references and requested garment quantities. Add the delivery destination and any launch deadline for planning. State which elements remain open to supplier suggestions. Pricing and timing depend on the actual garment and decoration brief, so ask for confirmation after the files have been reviewed. Before bulk production, use our sample approval checklist to check the physical result against the same artwork package. This creates a useful reference for repeat orders and future colour variants.